A New Priority: Equal Dignity and Respect Replaces DEIA

By Deborah J. Hopkins, January 28, 2025

Quick facts:

  • A new Executive Order requires agencies to eliminate DEIA programs.
  • “Equal dignity and respect” is the stated workplace priority of the new administration.
  • FELTG will keep you posted on all the latest developments.

It’s been a busy few days since the Trump Administration came to DC, and there have been a flurry of Executive Orders (EOs). We at FELTG are planning an overview of the Federal workplace-related EOs during the Making Sense of the Trump 2025 Federal Workforce Executive Orders training taking place on February 11, something you won’t want to miss.

But in the meantime, one of the questions we’ve received the most is: What now for DEIA?

According to Executive Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, President Trump has ordered Executive Branch agencies to terminate any “DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.”

That said, the EO also highlights a new priority: “Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect.” From our read here at FELTG, the replacement for DEIA is “equal dignity and respect,” a topic that comes up in classes from accountability for misconduct to hostile work environment harassment, and everything in between.

Additional EO language requires agencies to assist in providing the administration with information about past DEIA efforts in order to “formulate appropriate and effective civil-rights policies for the Executive Branch” and “identify potential areas for additional Presidential or legislative action to advance the policy of equal dignity and respect.” Civil rights is another way of referring to EEO laws, some of which have been around since the 1960s.

Every four or eight years, we see priorities and policies shift. And at FELTG, all of our programs, as always, will be up to date with the latest law, regulations, cases, and Executive Orders to ensure your agency stays compliant. [email protected]

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